...More rain and snow expected for much of the western U.S. into the weekend...

A strong low pressure system currently affecting much of the East Coast is expected to deepen further tonight as a new low pressure center intensifies in the interior mid-Atlantic rapidly moves into New York tonight and becomes the main low pressure center. Strong upper-level dynamics combined with a continuous influx of moisture from the Atlantic have also triggered the formation of thunderstorms which are quickly spreading northward toward New England. All of New England will be under the influence of this large and strong low pressure system through tonight as it reaches its peak intensity over New York State tonight. Meanwhile, cold air funneling in from Canada will change the rain to snow from Lower Michigan across Ohio and into the central Appalachians as the night progresses. The large cyclone will begin to gradually weaken and drift eastward on Friday. The associated rain in New England will gradually taper off during the day on Friday but cold air wrapping around the large circulation will change the rain to snow over upstate New York. By Saturday, the remaining snow and snow showers over New England should continue to taper off. Temperatures will be much below normal in the eastern U.S. even down through Florida on Friday but will begin to moderate on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the western U.S. appears to be entering a period of unsettled weather as a couple of strong cyclones are forecast for the next couple of days. The precipitation currently associated with a Pacific front will be quickly followed by the arrival of plume of moisture ahead of a strong cyclone from the eastern Pacific. It appears that northern California will be impacted by a period of heavy rain tonight while the high elevations such as the Sierra Nevada will see heavy snow. Precipitation will continue to spread northeastward across the Pacific Northwest, the Great Basin, and much of the Intermountain West and into the northern Rockies through Friday. While much of the northwestern U.S. is still under the influence of precipitation from this cyclone, another low pressure system is forecast to move into northern California Friday night with a renewed around of heavy precipitation, which is expected to penetrate further inland during the weekend.LOCAL NEWSA shooting occurred near Tryphosa Road early this morning after a law enforcement chase. Macon Media posted about the event and subsequent traffic obstruction on our Facebook Page. **4:45 am** MCSO has updated their facebook page with information from the shooting near Tryphosa Road. (spelling in the original retained)"Portion of 441 South near Tryphosie Road is currently reduced to two lanes following an officer involved shooting. Macon County Sheriff Robert Holland is on scene and confirms his agency and the SBI are investigating the incident. Sheriff Joey Terrell of Habersham County Ga. and Sheriff Chad Nichols of Rabun County Ga. are also on scene and all three Sheriffs are requesting motorist to drive carefully in this particular area as investigators continue to collect evidence. Otto Fire Department assisted with medical and traffic direction.Two individuals were transported by EMS following the incident. One of the suspects transported by EMS was suffering from a gunshot wound. The second suspect was transported for precautionary purposes. Prior to the shooting, the vehicle was being pursued by Habersham deputies after being reported stolen and located. No additional details are being released at this time but we will update the public as soon as it's appropriate. Again... the Sheriffs are asking motorist to PLEASE be mindful of our current situation and drive careful if passing the scene. We will clear the roadway as quickly as possible."Source MCSO

LOCAL OUTLOOK

Expect very windy conditions into Friday. Temperatures will be much below normal into the start of the weekend, then milder temperatures return into the first half of next week under dry high pressure.

Weather Almanac for April 7th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 84°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1967
Lowest Temperature 14°F in Highlands in 2007
Greatest Rainfall 7.00 inches in Highlands in 1895
Greatest Snowfall 5.0 inches in Highlands in 1989

THREE DAY OUTLOOK

TODAY (Increased fire danger, outdoor burning is not recommended)

Mostly sunny with highs near the lower 50s and winds out of the northwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts in the 30 to 35 mph range. Outdoor burning is not recommended due to low humidity and high winds, which will accelerate the drying out of burnable fuels.

TONIGHT

Mostly clear with lows near 30. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph with gusts in the 20 mph range.

SATURDAY

Sunny with highs near the upper 60s and winds out of the west northwest.

SATURDAY NIGHT

Mostly clear with lows near freezing and light winds out of the northwest.

SUNDAY

Sunny with his near the low to mid 70s.

SUNDAY NIGHT

Mostly clear with lows in the low to mid 40s.

HAZARDS

Hazardous weather is expected today in Macon County. There is an increased danger that fires will get out of control due to high winds and low humidity that may allow fires to spread rapidly. Winds are expected to exceed 40 mph at times and may lead to scattered power outages due to limbs or trees falling on power lines.

A Wind Weather Advisory has been issued for Macon County for a wind event that is expected to last until around 8 pm or so tonight. A copy of that is posted below the Special Weather Statement.

The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook that includes Macon County for today regarding the increased fire danger due to high winds and low humidity. A copy is posted below:

.Breezy west to northwest winds will continue across the region tonight, and occasional strong gusts are possible across the region. However,
Friday morning, winds are expected to strengthen quickly again, and numerous gusts to 45 mph will occur. Up to 65 mph gusts will be possible
along the Blue Ridge. Isolated downed trees and power outages are likely to occur until the winds abate Friday evening.

...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT FRIDAY...

* LOCATIONS...The Mountains, Foothills, and Piedmont of Upstate South Carolinas and northeast Georgia, plus the Smoky Mountains and portions
of the Southern Piedmont of North Carolina.

* HAZARDS...Strong wind gusts.

* TIMING...While winds and gusts will only occasionally gust tonight, the gusts will quickly strengthen again after sunrise Friday.

* WINDS...West 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Wind Advisory means that winds of 35 mph are expected. Winds this strong can make driving difficult...especially for high profile vehicles. Use
extra caution.

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or your favorite source of weather information for the latest updates. Additional details can be found at
www.weather.gov/gsp.

As always, you can check to see what advisories, watches and warnings are in effect for Macon County by visiting http://is.gd/MACONWARN

MACON CALENDAR

If you have an event you wish to be added to this calendar, please send the information, along with a flyer in pdf format or a high quality photo, to editor@maconmedia.com
There is no charge for civic, educational or non profit groups.

SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

On January 1, 2017, the Syringe Exchange Program of Franklin began operating a comprehensive harm reduction program to address the opioid epidemic that is effecting western NC. Opioid overdose reversal kits including naloxone are available free of charge. If you have any questions about our services or if you know someone interested in volunteering, please contact Stephanie Almeida at 828-475-1920.

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If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only.

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You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding at https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia

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